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The Vedas teach us that sex is a profound experience that moves beyond pleasure.

It sheds light on the possibilities within sex and inspires us to expand consciousness, opening our hearts to ourselves and others with more passion. It teaches that sexual desire is a yearning for intimacy between ourselves and the divine. Ayurveda never separates the mind, body and soul. When we try to act for the body alone, we never satisfy the true hunger from which our desires arise. Intimacy is the union of the whole self.

According to the Vedas, life can be divided into four main concerns : spiritual pursuits (dharma), economic pursuits (artha), pleasure pursuits (kama) and liberation from the cycle of reincarnation (moksha).Creating fulfillment requires wisdom and the ability to appropriately navigate one’s desires. If the pursuit of pleasure, contradicts life’s other pursuits, sex becomes lacking. Instead of nourishing our desires it only fuels more. In Ayurveda, it is advised to follow certain observances and create mindfulness with sex. Sex is intended for us to find pleasure, give pleasure, and feel in harmony with our natural sexual beings. As intelligent beings, we must understand how to use sex in a way that promotes health and happiness.

Treat sex as a sacred ritual. Create a “Sacred Space” (see blog article on Sacred Space)that provides a feast for all your sense organs. Learn how colors and aromas can arouse. Find music that makes your hips find their groove. Sex is sexy and fun, and it is at the basis of life. Treat it as a teacher and a friend and you will move beyond just the physical layer of pleasure. Be attentive to your partner’s desires. Learn the contours of their body with your eyes closed. Hold them with your hands and your heart. Create a dance that becomes better over time.

Don’t get too attached though and don’t assume more of a great thing is a better thing. Too much sex (some might say there is no such thing) is regarded in Ayurveda as a detriment to health. Sex itself is not bad, as some religions might point out. Ayurveda recognizes the need for an appropriate application of all things in life to bring about a state of wellness. An excess of sex puts strain on the nervous system, increases qualities of vata and lowers overall vitality.

Hippocrites once said, "Individuals who do not regulate their sexual impulses are more prone to loss of strength, weak immune function, and various diseases owing to depletion of vitality. Those who regulate their sexual energy will have increased memory, power, intelligence, health, and longevity".

PittaThe natural passion and fire of pitta gives a force to their lovemaking style. Pitta can be prone to competing for the esteem of their ego, so it is good for a pitta to remember to tune in to their partners more. Learning to redirect their feelings through their heart rather than their genitals will help to chill out these hot lovers.

KaphaThese calm, gentle lovers embody endurance, affection and sensitivity. They are nurturing lovers, but need encouragement to explore new aspects of themselves. An enthusiastic, more passionate partner can offer Kapha types the motivation to lighten up and get more creative!PHASES OF DESIRE AND DEEPER MEANING

Each phase of life presents us with different energy and focus. There is a time for growing, gaining wisdom and learning ourselves. There is a time for harvesting from our efforts, and dedicating our energy towards family. There is a time for reflection, slowing down and needing less. If we live in accordance with what each phase offers and brings then we sustain our energies and savor life’s pleasures more fully.

The sexual revolution of the 1960s sought to expand our understanding of sex beyond the religious constraints of sex as sin. Great attention was placed on the physical act of sex and freeing it from its notorious negative implications. Yet, there was a failure to acknowledge the emotional and spiritual implications of sex. The pursuit of pleasure, though emphasized by sex, is grounded in our ability to expand our heart and transform our ever evolving beings.

The Bhagavad-Gita, states that lust is the greatest enemy, as it leads to self-absorption and deluded meaning in life. Increasing our capacity to give and receive love is life’s greatest lesson, challenge and gift.

This week’s challenge is to give yourself to love, to make love with all your heart and to go deeper into your desires. “ When you perceive yourself as spirit, you will not simply feel love you will be love” - Deepak Chopra